Estimation program, estimation system, and estimation method

Abstract

The present invention designs the concept of a device desired by a user on the spot and presents an estimated amount of money on the spot. This estimation program of at least one device of which dimensions are customizable causes a processor to implement: a user request acquisition function of acquiring user request information related to the dimensions of the device input by a user; a recommended form output function of outputting a recommended form of the device according to the user request information by reflecting a value based on the user request information to CAD software by RPA; and an estimation function of outputting cost estimation information corresponding to the recommended form.

Description

Estimation Program, Estimation System, and Estimation Method

[0001] At least one of the embodiments of the present invention relates to an estimation program, an estimation system, and an estimation method.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a production line design device that improves the productivity of the design of a production line. The production line design device includes a storage unit that stores equipment configuration information defining the number configuration including at least one or more main equipment performing main operations in the production line and at least one or more setup equipment performing auxiliary operations of the main equipment, the movable method of the adoptable setup equipment, and one or more layout pattern definition information including a layout pattern defining a combination of the relative positional relationship between the adoptable main equipment and the setup equipment, and a processor that executes a layout candidate generation process for generating layout information that satisfies the number configuration by combining the layout patterns using the equipment configuration information and the layout pattern definition information.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-060308

[0004] When designing a device such as a palletizing unit, the designer listens to the user's requirements and conducts a conceptual design. Since the conceptual design takes a lot of time, the price of the device soars. In addition, users have a desire to know the price of the device they desire immediately. However, in the conventional conceptual design, the user has to once return the desired specifications, and the user can only know the price after the designer conducts the conceptual design. That is, the elimination of the trade-off between Quality, Cost, and Delivery in the conventional conceptual design has been desired.

[0005] An object of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to solve the above problems and provide an estimation program, an estimation system, and an estimation method that can design the concept of a device desired by a user immediately and can present the estimated amount immediately.

[0006] From a non-limiting perspective, an estimation program according to one embodiment of the present invention is an estimation program for one or more devices whose dimensions can be customized, and the processor implements a user request acquisition function that acquires user request information regarding the dimensions of the devices entered by the user, a recommended configuration output function that outputs a recommended configuration of the devices according to the user request information by reflecting the values ​​based on the user request information in CAD software using RPA, and an estimation function that outputs cost estimation information corresponding to the recommended configuration.

[0007] From a non-limiting perspective, an estimation system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an estimation system for one or more devices whose dimensions can be customized, and the estimation system includes a processor that realizes a user request acquisition function for acquiring user request information regarding the dimensions of the devices entered by the user, a recommended configuration output function for outputting a recommended configuration of the devices according to the user request information by reflecting the values ​​based on the user request information in CAD software using RPA, and an estimation function for outputting cost estimation information corresponding to the recommended configuration.

[0008] From a non-limiting perspective, an estimation method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an estimation method for one or more devices whose dimensions can be customized, comprising: a user request acquisition step of acquiring user request information regarding the dimensions of the devices entered by a user; a recommended configuration output step of outputting a recommended configuration of the devices according to the user request information by reflecting values ​​based on the user request information in CAD software using RPA; and an estimation step of outputting cost estimation information corresponding to the recommended configuration.

[0009] Each embodiment of the present invention resolves one or more of the shortcomings.

[0010] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an estimation system corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention. This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of an estimation program corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention. This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a conveyor, which is an example of a device. This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a robot hand, which is an example of a device. This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a stand, which is an example of a device. This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a recommended output, corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The various components in each embodiment described below can be combined as appropriate, provided that no inconsistencies arise. Furthermore, some aspects described in one embodiment may be omitted in other embodiments. Also, operations and processes unrelated to the characteristic features of each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, the order of the various processes constituting the various flows and sequences described below is not necessarily in any particular order, provided that no inconsistencies arise in the processing content.

[0012] The following explanation uses an example of an estimation program executed on a server, which is an example of a computer. However, the computer may be other devices such as a user terminal.

[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an estimation system corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention. The estimation system 1 comprises a server 10 and user terminals 20 used by users of the estimation system 1. User terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C are examples of user terminals 20. The configuration of the estimation system 1 is not limited thereto. For example, the estimation system 1 may be configured so that a single user terminal is used by multiple users. The estimation system 1 may also comprise multiple servers.

[0014] Server 10 and user terminal 20 are examples of computers. Server 10 and user terminal 20 are each connected to a communication network 30, such as the Internet, in a way that allows communication. The connection between the communication network 30 and server 10, and the connection between the communication network 30 and user terminal 20, may be a wired or wireless connection. For example, user terminal 20 may connect to the communication network 30 by performing data communication via a wireless communication line with a base station managed by a telecommunications carrier.

[0015] The estimation system 1 includes a server 10 and a user terminal 20, thereby realizing various functions for executing various processes in response to user operations.

[0016] The server 10 comprises a processor 11, memory 12, and storage device 13. The processor 11 is, for example, a central processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs various calculations and controls. If the server 10 is equipped with a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), some of the various calculations and controls may be performed by the GPU. The server 10 uses the data read into the memory 12 to perform various information processing with the processor 11 and stores the obtained processing results in the storage device 13 as needed.

[0017] The storage device 13 functions as a storage medium for storing various types of information. The configuration of the storage device 13 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of reducing the processing load on the user terminal 20, it may be configured to store all the various types of information necessary for the control performed by the estimation system 1. Examples of such configurations include HDDs and SSDs. However, the storage device that stores the various types of information only needs to have a storage area that is accessible to the server 10, and for example, it may be configured to have a dedicated storage area outside the server 10.

[0018] The storage device 13 stores estimation programs, CAD software, and the like. These programs are executed by the processor 11.

[0019] The user terminal 20 is managed by the user. Examples of user terminals 20 include mobile phones, smartphones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), personal computers, tablets, stationary game consoles, and portable game consoles. The user terminal 20 may also be a VR goggle, AR glasses, smart glasses, AR contact lenses, or other wearable device that can be operated by the user.

[0020] The user terminal 20 is connected to the communication network 30 and is equipped with hardware and software for performing various processes by communicating with the server 10.

[0021] The user terminal 20 may have a built-in display device. Alternatively, the display device may be connected to the user terminal 20 wirelessly or via a wired connection. Note that the display device has a very common configuration, so it is not shown in the diagram here. The display device is an example of an output device. Display devices include, for example, hologram display devices capable of displaying holograms, projection devices that project images (including game screens and information processing screens) onto a screen, and devices that perform XR display. XR includes VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), MR (Mixed Reality), and SR (Substantial Reality).

[0022] The user terminal 20 comprises a processor 21, memory 22, and storage device 23. The processor 21 is, for example, a central processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs various calculations and controls. If the user terminal 20 is equipped with a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), some of the various calculations and controls may be performed by the GPU. The user terminal 20 uses the data read into the memory 22 to perform various information processing using the processor 21, and stores the obtained processing results in the storage device 23 as needed. The storage device 23 functions as a storage medium for storing various information.

[0023] The storage device 23 stores estimation programs, CAD software, and the like. These programs are executed by the processor 21.

[0024] The user terminal 20 may have a built-in input device. The input device may also be connected to the user terminal 20 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The input device accepts user input. In response to user input, the processor in the server 10 or the processor in the user terminal 20 executes various control processes. Examples of input devices include touchscreens found in smartphones and tablets, keyboards, mice, gamepads, joysticks, and other controllers. A camera built into or connected to the user terminal 20 may also be considered an input device. The user performs input by making gestures, such as moving their hands in front of the camera (gesture input). The user terminal 20 may also have a microphone. The user can perform voice input by speaking in natural language into the microphone.

[0025] In addition, the user terminal 20 may be equipped with other output devices such as speakers. These other output devices may output voice, vibration, and other various types of information to the user.

[0026] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention. The server 10 includes a user request acquisition unit 101, a recommended format output unit 102, and an estimation unit 103. The processor in the server 10 refers to an estimation program held in a storage device and executes the program to functionally realize the user request acquisition unit 101, the recommended format output unit 102, and the estimation unit 103.

[0027] The user request acquisition unit 101 has the function of acquiring user request information regarding the dimensions of the device that has been entered by the user. The recommended configuration output unit 102 has the function of outputting a recommended configuration of the device according to the user request information by reflecting the values ​​based on the user request information into the CAD software using RPA. The estimation unit 103 has the function of outputting cost estimation information corresponding to the recommended configuration.

[0028] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of an estimation program corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] The user request acquisition unit 101 acquires user request information regarding the dimensions of the device entered by the user (St101). The recommended configuration output unit 102 outputs a recommended configuration of the device according to the user request information by reflecting the values ​​based on the user request information into the CAD software using RPA (St102). The estimation unit 103 has the function of outputting cost estimation information corresponding to the recommended configuration. The estimation unit 103 outputs cost estimation information corresponding to the recommended configuration (St103).

[0030] The device may be any equipment placed in a factory or similar facility, such as a conveyor, robot hand, or stand that constitutes a palletizing unit. However, the device is not limited to these.

[0031] User request information may include information indicating the dimensions of the device, such as its width and height. A specific example is given when the device is a conveyor. Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a conveyor, which is an example of a device. The width, length, and height of the conveyor are included in the user request information. The user inputs the user request information via the input device of the user terminal 20. The illustrated example shows a case where the current values ​​of the width, length, and height are 500 mm, 1000 mm, and 1000 mm, respectively, and the user inputs the user request information values ​​as 1000 mm, 2000 mm, and 500 mm, respectively.

[0032] A specific example of a device being a robot hand is shown. Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a robot hand, which is an example of a device. The width and height, which are the spacing between the multiple suction pads on the robot hand, are included in the user request information. The user inputs the user request information via the input device of the user terminal 20. The illustrated example shows a case where the current values ​​of the width and height are 250 mm and 200 mm, respectively, and the user inputs the user request information values ​​as 300 mm and 300 mm, respectively.

[0033] A specific example of a device being a stand is shown. Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a stand, which is an example of a device. The seat height of the stand is included in the user request information. The user inputs the user request information via the input device of the user terminal 20. The illustrated example shows a case where the current seat height is 500 mm, and the value of the user request information entered by the user is 1000 mm.

[0034] User-requested information regarding the dimensions of the device does not have to be a value indicating the dimensions of the device itself. User-requested information regarding the dimensions of the device is sufficient if it is information from which the dimensions of the device can be derived. For example, if the device is a device that processes workpieces, such as a palletizing unit, the user-requested information may be information indicating the weight and size of the workpiece to be processed. The weight and size of the workpiece are correlated with the dimensions of the palletizing unit. Therefore, the user request acquisition unit 101 or the recommended form output unit 102 may calculate or acquire a value indicating the dimensions of the device based on a value that is correlated with the dimensions of the device. For example, correspondence table data showing the correspondence between the weight and size of the workpiece and the dimensions of the device is stored in the storage device 13 in advance. The user request acquisition unit 101 or the recommended form output unit 102 calculates the dimensions of the device by referring to the correspondence table data based on the value that is correlated with the dimensions of the device, which has been entered by the user. Alternatively, a formula showing the correspondence between the weight and size of the workpiece and the dimensions of the device may be defined in advance, and the user request acquisition unit 101 or the recommended configuration output unit 102 may calculate the dimensions of the device by substituting the weight and size of the workpiece into the formula. The dimensions of the device may also be obtained by inputting the values ​​entered by the user into a trained model that has been machine-learned to output the dimensions of the device when a value correlated with the dimensions of the device is input.

[0035] RPA stands for Robotic Process Automation, and it refers to a system that uses cognitive technologies, including rule engines, AI, and machine learning, to automate or replace tasks previously performed by humans. For example, while humans previously operated CAD software to design equipment, RPA can automate the operation of the CAD software related to equipment design. The recommended configuration output unit 102 automatically operates the CAD software by reflecting values ​​based on user request information into the CAD software via RPA, and outputs a recommended configuration for the equipment according to the user request information. Note that the values ​​reflected are not necessarily the values ​​of the user request information itself. For example, the CAD software may manage the width in centimeters, while the user request information may have width values ​​entered in millimeters. In this case, the recommended configuration output unit 102 reflects the value based on the user request information, which is the value after converting the unit from millimeters to centimeters, into the CAD software.

[0036] The recommended configuration of a device according to user requirements refers to the configuration of the device after the dimensions derived from the user requirements have been reflected in the CAD software. For example, the configuration of the device after changing the width, seat height, etc., from their current values ​​to the values ​​provided in the user requirements corresponds to the recommended configuration of the device according to user requirements.

[0037] The storage device 13 may store cost table data showing the correspondence between the configuration of the device and its cost. The estimation unit 103 refers to the cost table data based on the recommended configuration of the device, calculates the cost, and outputs it to the user. If the device includes multiple components, the estimation unit 103 may calculate the cost for each component and then output the sum of those costs as the total cost. The cost table may be divided into a parts list and an assembly list. Parts costs are calculated first. The estimation unit 103 refers to the parts list and calculates the cost based on the number of processed parts and material costs. Next, the estimation unit 103 calculates the assembly and adjustment costs from the number of parts and the number of processed parts. The estimation unit 103 calculates design costs and indirect work costs such as debugging and trial run adjustments, based on the parts costs and assembly and adjustment costs.

[0038] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a recommended output corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The recommended configuration output unit 102 displays the recommended configuration of the device in 3D in a manner that allows for customization of the device's placement. The 3D display may be either VR or AR.

[0040] Figure 7 shows the recommended configuration of the device displayed using AR. For example, the recommended configuration S of the device is superimposed onto the real-world factory F, which is the actual site where the manufactured device will be installed. The recommended configuration S of the device may be, for example, a 3D model image obtained from CAD software. The user can view the recommended configuration S of the device placed in the real-world factory F via a user terminal 20, which is an AR goggle.

[0041] The user may customize at least one of the device dimensions and placement position using an input device I such as a controller or tablet. Customization of the placement position includes moving and rotating the device. After the user has finished customizing the device dimensions or placement position, the estimation unit 103 refers to the cost table data stored in the storage device 13 based on the recommended configuration S of the customized device, recalculates the cost, and outputs it to the user. This allows the user to visually check whether the devices will reach each other, whether there is sufficient space for workers to move around, and whether there will be any interference with fixtures and other items at the site, and then customize the device dimensions and layout themselves according to the results of the check before obtaining a cost estimate.

[0042] Although illustration is omitted, the recommended form output unit 102 may display the recommended form of the device in a VR display in a manner that allows customization of the device's placement position. For example, a predetermined real space such as a factory F owned by a user company is 3D modeled in advance. Photogrammetry, LIDAR, or the like may be used to create a 3D model of the real space. The recommended form output unit 102 acquires 3D model data of a predetermined real space and performs a VR display combining the data and the recommended form of the device. The display destination of the VR display may be the user terminal 20 which is a VR goggle or the VR mode of the user terminal 20 which is an AR goggle. The user can view the recommended form of the device via the user terminal 20.

[0043] The user may customize at least one of the dimensions and placement position of the device using an input device I such as a controller or a tablet. Note that customization of the placement position includes movement and rotation of the device. After the user finishes customizing the dimensions or placement position of the device, the estimation unit 103 refers to the cost table data stored in the storage device 13 based on the recommended form S of the customized device, recalculates the cost, and outputs it to the user. Thereby, when the user actually places the device at the site, the user can visually confirm whether the devices can reach each other, whether the conductors of the workers are secured, whether interference with the fixtures at the site occurs, etc., and then customize the dimensions and layout of the device according to the confirmation result and obtain an estimate of the cost. Also, in the case of AR display, the user will perform customization work at the site such as factory F, but in the case of VR display, since the 3D model of factory F and the recommended form S of the device are displayed together in VR, the customization work can be performed even at a location other than the site.

[0044] As described above, one or more deficiencies are solved by each embodiment of the present application. Note that the effects of each embodiment are non-limiting effects or examples of effects.

[0045] In each of the above-described embodiments, the user terminal 20 and the server 10 execute the various processes described above in accordance with various control programs (for example, an estimation program) stored in a storage device provided therein. Further, other computers not limited to the user terminal 20 and the server 10 may execute the various processes described above in accordance with various control programs (for example, an estimation program) stored in a storage device provided therein.

[0046] Further, the configuration of the estimation system 1 is not limited to the configuration described as an example of the above-described embodiment. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the server executes part or all of the processes described as the processes executed by the user terminal, or a configuration may be adopted in which the user terminal executes part or all of the processes described as the processes executed by the server. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which part or all of the storage unit (storage device) provided in the server is provided in the user terminal. That is, in the estimation system 1, part or all of the functions provided in either the user terminal or the server may be configured to be provided in the other.

[0047] Further, the program may be configured to implement part or all of the functions described as examples of the above-described embodiments in a single device that does not include a communication network.

[0048] [Supplementary Note] The description of the above-described embodiments has been made so that at least the following invention can be implemented by a person having ordinary knowledge in the field to which the invention belongs.

[0049] [1] An estimation program for one or more devices whose dimensions can be customized, the program causing a processor to implement: a user request acquisition function for acquiring user request information regarding the dimensions of the device input by the user; a recommended form output function for outputting a recommended form of the device according to the user request information by reflecting a value based on the user request information in CAD software by means of an RPA; and an estimation function for outputting cost estimation information corresponding to the recommended form.

[0050] According to the above estimation program, the user can design the concept of the equipment they want on the spot, and the estimated cost can be provided immediately.

[0051] [2] The estimation program according to [1], wherein the user request information includes the weight of the workpiece to be processed by the apparatus and the size of the workpiece.

[0052] According to the above estimation program, the dimensions of the device can be determined by the estimation program itself based on the weight and size of the workpiece.

[0053] [3] The estimation program described in [1], wherein the recommended configuration output function displays the recommended configuration of the device in 3D in a manner that allows the placement of the device to be customized.

[0054] According to the above estimation program, you can visually check whether the devices can reach each other, whether there is sufficient access for workers, and whether there will be any interference with existing fixtures and equipment at the site. Based on the results of this check, you can customize the dimensions and layout of the devices yourself before obtaining a cost estimate.

[0055] [4] The estimation program described in [3], wherein the recommended configuration output function displays the recommended configuration of the device in AR space in a manner that allows the placement of the device to be customized.

[0056] According to the estimation program described above, it is possible to visually confirm on-site whether the devices can reach each other, whether there is sufficient access for workers, and whether there will be any interference with existing fixtures or equipment.

[0057] [5] The estimation program described in [3], wherein the recommended configuration output function acquires 3DCG data modeling a predetermined real space, and displays the 3DCG data and the recommended configuration of the device in VR in a manner that allows the placement of the device to be customized.

[0058] According to the estimation program described above, it is possible to visually check, in a location different from the actual site, whether the devices can reach each other, whether there is sufficient access for workers, and whether there will be any interference with fixtures and other equipment at the site.

[0059] [6] An estimation system for one or more devices whose dimensions can be customized, wherein the estimation system includes a processor that provides a user request acquisition function for acquiring user request information regarding the dimensions of the device entered by the user, a recommended configuration output function for outputting a recommended configuration of the device according to the user request information by reflecting values ​​based on the user request information in CAD software using RPA, and an estimation function for outputting cost estimation information corresponding to the recommended configuration.

[0060] According to the above estimation system, the user can design the desired device on the spot and receive an estimated price immediately.

[0061] [7] A method for estimating the dimensions of one or more devices, the method comprising: a user request acquisition step of acquiring user request information regarding the dimensions of the devices entered by a user; a recommended configuration output step of outputting a recommended configuration of the devices according to the user request information by reflecting values ​​based on the user request information in CAD software using RPA; and a cost estimation step of outputting cost estimation information corresponding to the recommended configuration.

[0062] According to the above estimation method, the user can design the desired device on the spot, and the estimated cost can be provided immediately.

[0063] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above embodiments may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0064] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-161443 filed on September 18, 2024, and its contents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a quotation program, quotation system, and quotation method are useful in that they allow a user to design a device concept on the spot and to present an estimated price on the spot.

[0066] 1 Quotation System 10 Server 11 Processor 12 Memory 13 Storage Device 20, 20A, 20B, 20C User Terminal 21 Processor 22 Memory 23 Storage Device 30 Communication Network 101 User Request Acquisition Unit 102 Recommended Format Output Unit 103 Quotation Unit

Claims

1. An estimation program for one or more devices with customizable dimensions, wherein the processor implements a user request acquisition function that acquires user request information regarding the dimensions of the device entered by the user; a recommended configuration output function that outputs a recommended configuration of the device according to the user request information by reflecting the values ​​based on the user request information in CAD software using RPA; and an estimation function that outputs cost estimation information corresponding to the recommended configuration.

2. The estimation program according to claim 1, wherein the user request information includes the weight of the workpiece to be processed by the device and the size of the workpiece.

3. The estimation program according to claim 1, wherein the recommended configuration output function displays the recommended configuration of the device in 3D in a manner that allows for customization of the placement position of the device.

4. The estimation program according to claim 3, wherein the recommended configuration output function displays the recommended configuration of the device in an AR space in a manner that allows for customization of the placement position of the device.

5. The estimation program according to claim 3, wherein the recommended configuration output function acquires 3DCG data modeling a predetermined real space, and displays the 3DCG data and the recommended configuration of the device in VR in a manner that allows for customization of the placement position of the device.

6. An estimation system for one or more devices whose dimensions can be customized, wherein the estimation system includes a processor that provides: a user request acquisition function for acquiring user request information regarding the dimensions of the device entered by the user; a recommended configuration output function for outputting a recommended configuration of the device according to the user request information by reflecting values ​​based on the user request information in CAD software using RPA; and an estimation function for outputting cost estimation information corresponding to the recommended configuration.

7. A method for estimating the dimensions of one or more devices, the method comprising: a user request acquisition step of acquiring user request information regarding the dimensions of the devices entered by a user; a recommended configuration output step of outputting a recommended configuration of the devices according to the user request information by reflecting values ​​based on the user request information in CAD software using RPA; and an estimation step of outputting cost estimation information corresponding to the recommended configuration.

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